Emmy Final Round Voting: Aug. 15-29th, 2016

Phase two of the Emmy race began July 14th, 2016 when the 2016 nominees were revealed.  The race will continue to heat up throughout August until the final vote is cast during the August 29th deadline.

The Below the Line race remains as interesting as ever, with season vets and newbies vying for their opportunity to bring home the coveted statue.  From a random selection of categories, let's take a look at what's in store:

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance

While Seth MacFarlane sits out the "Outstanding Animated Program" race this year, he is the granddaddy of the "Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance category.  He,marks his sixth nomination (and one previous win) for his portrayal of characters in his series, "Family Guy."  The remaining four slots are filled with newbies, including rivals Trey Parker and Matt Stone who flaunt their eleventh nomination (and 5th win) for "South Park."   While Parker as voiced potty mouthed tyke Eric Cartman since the show's inception, this is his first nomination for Cartman (and PC Principle).  Stone joins him with a first timer for his portrayal of Tweek and Thomas Tucker.

Other newbies in the category include Keegan-Michael Key as American Ranger and Sgt. Agony in "Puss in Books" and Chris Pine as Dr. Devizo and Robo-Dino in "The Inconceivable Escape of Dr. Devizo."  Both animated programs air on Crackle.

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period Program (One Hour or More)

Could this be Donal Wood's year?  The "Downton Abbey" production designer has seven previous nominations for the series and no wins.  Perhaps his eighth nomination for the series finale could be his lucky charm.  Howard Cummings, who's won the past two nominations he's been up for ("Behind the Candelabra", "The Knick") attempts to receive his second consecutive "The Knick" win.  Elizabeth H. Gray receives her second consecutive nomination for "Masters of Sex".

Two newbies join them:  Warren A. Young for "Fargo" and Jon Gary Steele for "Outlander."

Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie

Four DPs made the cut for this category this year:  two women and two men.   Dana Gonzales receives her second nomination for "Fargo" season two. She was previously nominated for "Fargo" season one.  She is joined by three first timers: John Conroy for "Luther", Nelson Cragg for "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"  and Suzie Lavelle for "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride".

This year the Creative Arts Emmys have been split over a two evening presentation.  The first award ceremony will take place Saturday, September 10, with the second portion occurring Sunday, September 11, 2016.  For a complete list of all nominees, including the below the line categories,  please visit: http://www.emmys.com/downloads